Auxiliary sock device

ABSTRACT

An auxiliary sock device includes a baseplate having first and second ends. Wherein the first end has one or more wings mounted at the side of the baseplate, curved outwardly, to retain the open end of a sock to receive the user&#39;s foot. The second end comprises of a handle to provide a grip for the user. The user may place a sock over the wings of the device, grip the handle, and use the device to aid in the application of the sock upon the user&#39;s foot. In an embodiment, the baseplate is adjustably attached to an extensible handset which contains the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the handle further comprises of a shoehorn and a protrusion to aid in the removal of a sock from the user&#39;s foot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US16/45060 filed on Aug. 1, 2016, entitled “AUXILIARY SOCK DEVICE” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of assisted living devices, particularly to handheld devices to assist with putting on socks.

2. Description of Related Art

Socks and shoes are an essential part to any wardrobe. Socks, as a general term, cover the feet and are available in many different styles and materials. Consumers are able to choose between shorter socks, which are hidden under the shoe, as well as long sock extending to the knee and anything in between. Materials range between cotton, wool, or chemical fibers. Combinations of colors are endless as in recent years, socks of gained traction as a means of expressing identity. Developments have been made for functional socks that contain antibiotic and antifungal properties, while moisture wicking technologies are popular for the active population.

With an aging baby-boomer generation, disabilities are on the rise as a consequence of old age. Injuries inhibit even the simplest daily tasks. Terminal injuries are of the highest concern, as these leave the elderly disabled for life as they find ways to deal with daily impairments. Often times, the injured are confined to wheelchairs or other disability equipment in order to perform normal functions. As old age set in, often times the elderly begin suffering from loss of flexibility, joint pain, and arthritis that inhibit their everyday routine.

While younger generations may not be as pre-disposed to inhibiting injuries or conditions, there are still many people who under-go surgery or sustain injuries every year. Common sports injuries such as ACL tears, Patellofemoral syndrome, hamstring strains, and groin pulls can severely limit the range of motion and flexibility in the affected persons. Car accidents account for 20-50 million injuries each year. Many of which affect the spine, neck, or back and can cause limitations to the range of motion and flexibility in the affected persons. Athletic injuries, accidents, or genetic disorders may affect people of all ages, and can potentially make even simple tasks very difficult to accomplish.

For these reasons, the physically impaired auxiliary device industry is expected to grow to a $20 billion industry in the next two years, as demands increase for devices to make life more comfortable for an aging population. The current focus is on devices to help the disabled with tasks such as walking, driving, climbing stairs, or grabbing items out of arms reach. While these are valuable to the inflexible, overweight, handicapped, pregnant and elderly communities, often the most mundane but necessary daily tasks, like putting on socks, are overlooked and frustration ensues.

A partial remedy came with the design of reaching devices are typically aluminum with a squeeze trigger on the proximal end with a pincher or claw at the distal end. These devices help people with issues bending at the neck, back, and waist. These do not work well for putting on socks and shoes, as a circular opening is necessary in order to maneuver the sock over the foot.

Sock aids are available but also have many shortcomings. Some of these devices have a distal end with a shovel-like shape. An inherent shortcoming is that the sock often slips off the shovel before it is completely over the foot. Technologies have been developed in an attempt to prevent this, including fasteners to prevent the slippage of the sock, or foam to increase friction between the device and the sock.

Devices have been developed to help the inflexible put on shoes which have become another necessary item in an arsenal of dressing aids. Many of these devices, including sock helpers, have the inherent ability to be difficult to use while standing that present a problem for individuals with back injuries. Many of these devices have been inexpensively manufactured. While this method of production does cut cost for the consumer, often the cost savings is not worth the inconvenience of cheaply made goods. These versions are often non-adjustable, non-customizable, and difficult to use for the physically impaired.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a handheld auxiliary device, which helps the disabled or inflexible population with daily tasks such as putting on socks and shoes. For the disabled, this is a necessary task that is a source of daily frustration, for which there are no clear answers. Grabbing devices exist, however these are not specifically designed to have the articulation necessary to accomplish this task. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a product that can adequately grasp a sock and shoe and articulate these items around the foot. Further need for this device to be extendable, portable and multifunctional is desired. It would be desirable for the invention to be user-adjustable and be functional in different body positions such as standing, sitting, or lying down to accommodate a wide range of disabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the current invention is to invent an auxiliary device to aid users put on socks. A sock auxiliary device is described herein comprising a baseplate, which has a first end and a second end. The first end will comprise a handle and the second end will comprise one or more wings, which are mounted at the sides of the second end. The wings curve outwardly in order to define a foot receiver. The wings of the design, in an embodiment, have a textured exterior. The textured exterior of one or more wings comprises one or more ribs.

In an embodiment, the first end of the sock auxiliary device comprises a shoe horn which may be used to remove the user's shoes. Furthermore, the sock auxiliary device comprises a protrusion at an acute angle with reference to the shoehorn.

In an embodiment, the sock auxiliary device comprises a distal baseplate further comprising one or more pivotally mounted wings at the sides of the baseplate. The wings are adjusted by a releasable ratchet mechanism to permit opening of the wings. The sock auxiliary device also comprises a handle with a shoehorn positioned at the proximal end. The baseplate and handset are connected by an adjustable friction hinge, allowing for the angle between the baseplate and the handset to be variable as well as allowing for a fixed angle.

In an embodiment, the sock auxiliary device will have a foot indicator displayed on the baseplate to direct the foot of the user to the foot receiver. The auxiliary device has an adjustable hinge with the ability to have an acute position between the handset and baseplate for travel as well as a plurality of obtuse angled positions.

In a preferred embodiment, the sock auxiliary device comprises two wings which are adjustable. The preferred embodiment will comprise an extensible handset to adjust the length of the device.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective detail view of a wing of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of the friction hinge of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective detail view of the handset locking mechanism of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5a is a detail side elevational view of the friction hinge of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5b is a detail top plan view of the friction hinge of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5c is a side elevational view of a pressure bolt of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view and side elevational view of the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart describing a method of using the auxiliary sock device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-8, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 shows the auxiliary device for sock wearing having a baseplate 1, connected to handle 2. In an embodiment, the handle 2 is connected to the baseplate 1 via a friction hinge 4, wherein the hinge may move only when a threshold of force is applied thereto. Where the hinge 4 allows for the angle between the baseplate 1 and the handset 2 to be adjusted then held at the desired angle. In an embodiment, the adjustable range will allow for an angle between 10 and 350 degrees between the baseplate 1 and the handset 2.

In a preferred embodiment, one end of the baseplate 1 is provided with adjustable side wings 3. The wings 3 are located near the distal end of the baseplate 1 on either side of the baseplate 1. Each of the wings 3 is mounted on a hinge and has a ratchet fastener such that when extended outwardly, it selectively locks into positions and remains locked until a release (not shown) on the ratchet fastener is engaged. The wings may be folded inwardly to abut against the baseplate 1, for a more portable position, or they may be extended from the baseplate 1. In an embodiment, the wings 3 are used to selectively hold open the end of a sock, allowing the user to pass their foot between the wings 3 and into the open end of the sock. The wings 3 will be able to keep enough tension on the sock so that the sock does not become detached from the wings as the user's foot enters the sock. Adjustable stages of the wings 3 allow for the user to choose the wing angle based on size of the foot and ease of use. The wings may have one or more grippers 201 to grip the sock while the wings are extended therein. After the sock is completely on the users foot, movement of the device is continued away from the user in order to remove the sock from the device.

In an embodiment, the baseplate 1 comprises a foot indicator, providing a visual aid for the user to help with placing the foot on the auxiliary device. In an embodiment, the foot indicator is made of a material such as rubber, foam, synthetic, plastic or other materials known in the art to add additional comfort. The foot indicator may be colored to the user's preference or for maximum visibility, and may be in the shape of a foot or arrow. In an embodiment, the foot indicator is available with or without an arrow.

In a preferred embodiment, the baseplate 1 comprises a hanging cutout for storage when the device is in the folded position. Additional hanging holes may be to the design as seen fit based on future embodiments of the design.

In an embodiment, the handset 2 is further comprised of an upper handset 21 and a lower handset 22. The upper handset 21 and the lower handset 22 are adjustably mated so that the lower handset 22 may slide into a lockable housing 23. In one embodiment, the lockable housing 23 will hold the relative position of the upper handset 21 to the lower handset 22 with an applied pressure lever, as is known in the art. The lockable housing 23 will, in turn, allow for the length of the handset 2 to be adjusted by the user as the upper and lower handset slide relative to one another. The adjustment of length will allow users of different height to comfortably use the auxiliary device.

In an embodiment, at the end of the upper handset 21, there is an ergonomic handgrip 15. The handgrip 15 allows the user to comfortably keep the auxiliary device in their hand in a desired position. In an embodiment, the handgrip 15 is textured to provide increased traction and prevent slippage between the user's hand and the auxiliary device. In an embodiment the handgrip 15 is covered with a padded, textured material, such as, but not limited to rubber or foam that provides further comfort, increases traction, and prevents slippage between the user's hand and the auxiliary device. In an embodiment, the handgrip 15 includes a lip 24 which can be utilized to aid in the removal of a sock, as known in the art.

In an embodiment, the end of the upper handset 21 terminates in a curved semi-ellipsoid-shaped protrusion 13. The protrusion 13 is intended be utilized as a shoe horn or sock remover, to allow the user to easily slip into a shoe by holding the heel of the shoe open behind the shoe horn. In an embodiment, the recess 13 is coated or finished to reduce friction between the sock and the recess so the user may slide into easily into a tight fitting shoe. In an embodiment, the protrusion has a lip extending from the convex side of the protrusion. The lip may be in the form of a single spur that catches the sock as it is removed, or may extend the width of the protrusion. In a preferred embodiment, the lip is a concave catcher opening towards the distal end of the protrusion.

In an embodiment the end of the upper handset 21 includes a through hole 14. The hole 14 allows for easy storage of the auxiliary device. The user can place a nail or hook through the hole 14 to allow the auxiliary device to hang from a wall, shelf, or other place of storage. A lanyard may also be attached to the hole 14, the lanyard would then be attached to the user, which would prevent the auxiliary device from being dropped to the ground.

With reference to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a wing design is described. In a preferred embodiment, one or more wings 3 are connected to the baseplate 1 by one or more hinge pins 205. The pin 205 provides a connection to the baseplate 1 as well as a point of rotation for the adjustable wing 3. A latching ratchet 206 is connected to the wing with a ratchet mechanism 208 connected to the baseplate 1. To rotate the wing 3, the wing is pulled away from the baseplate 1 and the ratchet catches the one or more adjustable steps in the ratchet mechanism. In an embodiment, the wing 3 is adjusted once the latching ratchet 206 is pressed. The latching ratchet 206 is biased into a latched position by spring 209, which maintains the latching ratchet 206 in an engaged setting with reference to the ratchet mechanism 208. Once pressed, the latching ratchet 206 is disengaged from the ratchet mechanism 208 and the wing 3 is able to rotate to the desired angle based on user preferences and foot size. In an embodiment, the wings 3 angle, wing shape, and size may vary.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more gripper such as ribs 201 are integrally molded onto one or more wings 3. The ribs 201 increase friction between the sock and the wing 3. This increase in friction is favorable to an embodiment without ribs as it helps to maintain the sock on the wings 3 until the user's foot is inserted into the sock.

The ribs 201 may be coated in a friction-inducing material to increase friction on the sock. In an embodiment, one or more wings 3 may comprise one or more ribs 201 made of a material with better sock gripping qualities, such as rubber or other known materials in the art. In an embodiment, the quantity and physical structure of the ribs may be modified, such as a crisscross design, or increased rib height. Wing modifications could help to further improve the sock gripping power of the auxiliary device to better suit the needs of the elderly and disabled. Possible wing modifications may include but are not limited to cutouts of the mold to allow more movement of the user's foot once in the device.

In an embodiment, the wings 3 may have an enlarged rib, hook, or clip (not shown) at the end closest to the hinge 4 to enable the user to place the sock through the wings 3 and fold the sock over the hook or enlarged rib in order to retain the sock between the wings 3 without having to wrap the entire sock around the wings 3.

In an embodiment, the wings are integrally fused to the baseplate 1 providing a fixed angle between the wing 3 and baseplate 1. This allows for a simpler function as well as a cheaper production cost when compared to an adjustable embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 3, a friction hinge is described. In a preferred embodiment, a baseplate 1 is attached to the friction hinge 306. The baseplate 1 extends to the functionally distal end of the device where the users foot is placed and inserted into the sock. Contrarily, the friction hinge 306 connects to the lower handset 22, which extends to the proximal end of the device. The lower handset 22 and baseplate 1 in connection to the friction hinge 306 allows for the friction hinge 306 to pivot around a through-hole 308 to a more acute or obtuse angle depending on the user's preference.

In a preferred embodiment, the angle is fully adjustable. Angle adjustment is accomplished through the connection of the lower handset 22 and the baseplate 1 using a carriage bolt 312. The lower handset 22 and baseplate 1 interlock thus forming a through-hole 308 in which a carriage bolt 312 is placed through. The carriage bolt 312 with a knob has the ability of locking the lower handset 22 and baseplate 1. In an embodiment the carriage bolt 312 will terminate in a knob, which is able to tighten or loosen to create friction between the baseplate 1 and lower handset 22. This will allow the user to adjust the angle in place or allow the angle to change while the device is in use.

In another embodiment, the baseplate 1 and lower handset 22 are integrally molded, foregoing the functionality of the lockable hinge 306, this allows for a simpler structure with cheaper manufacturing costs. In an embodiment, the lower handset 22 and upper handset 21 are integrally molded in addition to the integrally molded lower handset 22 and baseplate 1. The integrally molded structure would have a fixed angle allowing for a simpler method of use.

In reference to FIG. 4, a lockable handset, wherein length of the device may be adjusted is described. In a preferred embodiment, the lockable handset is located at the proximal end of the device with reference to the user. In an embodiment, the upper handset 21 is connected to the handgrip 1 shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, a lower handset 22 is housed inside the upper handset 21 to allow the lower handset to slide up into, or down from the upper handset. Functionally this extends or shortens the length between the upper handset 21 and the baseplate 1 in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, extending through the center of the lower handset 22 lays a ratchet ladder 423, comprising a plurality of teeth. These teeth allow the hinged locking mechanism 424 to set the desired length, locking the desired length of the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the hinged locking mechanism is spring loaded by a spring 427 connected to the upper handset 21 by a locking bridge 425. This locking bridge 425 is above the ratchet ladder 423, with the locking bridge 425 comprising a hinge mechanism 426 In a preferred embodiment, the spring loaded hinge locking mechanism 424 has one or more nibs extending through one or more through-holes 428 on a locking bridge 425. This allows the hinged locking mechanism 424 to pivot, functionally holding the locking mechanism at a desired location on the ratchet ladder 423. In a preferred embodiment, once pressed by the user, the hinge locking mechanism 424 will disengage from the ratchet ladder 423, allowing the lower handset 22 to slide up into, or down from the upper handset 21. Once the user releases the hinge locking mechanism 424, the hinge locking mechanism 424 may reengage with the ratchet ladder to lock the desired distance into place.

The adjustable angle allows the user control the auxiliary device from multiple positions. For example, when the user is standing they might prefer a 90-degree angle between the baseplate 1 and handset 2. When the user is sitting or lying down, one might prefer a 180-degree angle between the baseplate 1 and handset 2. When the user wants store the auxiliary device, they can fold it to achieve a 0-degree angle between the baseplate 1 and handset 2

In reference to FIGS. 5a-5c , a detailed view of the hinge 4 is shown. In an embodiment, a pressure bolt 503 is comprised of a knob 504 and a carriage bolt 505. In an embodiment, the carriage bolt 505 is placed inside the through-hole 506 and the knob 504 threads onto the carriage bolt 505 as to apply pressure onto the hinge 4 and lock the angle between the lower handset 22 and baseplate 1 using frictional force. In an embodiment, one or more o-rings (not shown) may be placed between the hinge 4 components of the lower handset 22 and the baseplate 1 as to increase the frictional force. In an embodiment, a hanging hole 502 provides a place to hang the auxiliary device using a nail, hook, or other apparatus that may support the auxiliary device.

In reference to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment wherein the design is integrally fused. The use of the hinged locking mechanism may be forgone. Construction of the handset 630 may be integrally molded, removing the need for the hinged locking mechanism. This embodiment results in a fixed length of the device with the ability to promote devices with a plurality of lengths. The integrally molded structure allows for cheaper production costs and a simpler method of use. In an embodiment, the integrally molded structure contains at least one wing 603 protruding from the end of the handset 630. At the opposite end of the handset 630, a handle 615 feature presents an ergonomic grip for the user to hold the auxiliary device. In an embodiment, the handle 615 may be covered in rubber, foam, or another material to increase friction between the handle 615 and the user's hand. In an embodiment, the handle 615 will include a lip 624 that may be used to assist in the removal of a sock from a user. In an embodiment, the handset 630 includes a recess 613 which the user can engage with as a shoe horn to assist with putting on a shoe, as is known in the art. In an embodiment, the handset 630 includes a hanging hole 614 which a nail or hook may pass through to support the auxiliary device. A lanyard may also be attached to the hole 614, the lanyard would then be attached to the user, which would prevent the auxiliary device from being dropped to the ground.

In reference to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the design is described. The embodiment shows an integrally molded design comprising a handle component 720. From the handle component 720, a protrusion 752 is located at any end of the device. The protrusion 752 allows for removal of clothing items. In an embodiment of the design, any end may be used as a shoehorn. At any end of the embodiment, a hanging hole 719 may be present.

In reference to FIG. 8, a flowchart describing a method of use is illustrated. In use, at step 50, the user may place the open tube of a sock either around the outside, or through the inside of one or more wings 3. The socks are held in place by protrusions on the outside of the wings. In step 55, the user can adjust the angle of the wings to best fit their foot size and retain the sock opening by opening the wings to the desired angle. This places tension on the sock, preventing it from falling off during use. Depending on the standing or seated position of the user, at step 60, the user may adjust the angle between the handset and the baseplate by adjusting the locking hinge mechanism. The ability of the device to self-adjust the angle during use is accomplished by tightening or loosening the knobbed bolt which increases or decreases friction on the hinge. A tight bolt will prevent the angle from changing during use while a loose bolt will allow a controlled change in angle.

Depending on the bodily position and height of the user, length of the device may be adjusted as described in step 62. Pressing the hinged locking mechanism 24 disengages the locking mechanism from the ratchet ladder. The upper handset 21 and lower handset 22, can then slide along a chute, thus changing the overall length of the device. Releasing the hinged locking mechanism engages ratchet ladder, locking the desired length in place.

In step 64, the user observes the foot indicator to know which way to insert his or her foot. In step 65, the user places a foot on the baseplate and begins inserting the foot into the open end of the sock, held by one or more wings. Holding the handgrip, the user either pulls the device, thus pulling the sock up and around the foot, or pushes the foot through the hole of the sock. Once the sock is acceptably on the foot and leg of the user, the continued motion of the device away from the user will release the sock from the device.

At step 70, the device may be collapsed for compact storage. Returning to step 62, the hinged locking mechanism can be down-pressed and the length may be adjusted to the shortest available placement, or any desired length along the ratchet ladder. In step 75, the knob and carriage bolt may be adjusted to form the most acute angle possible between the handset and baseplate so that they abut. At step 80, the knob bolt may be tightened, locking the angle in place. At step 85, one or more latching ratchets may be pressed to close the wings around the handgrip, preventing the angle between the handset and baseplate from widening.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A sock auxiliary device comprising: a. a baseplate having first and second ends; b. the first end, comprising a handle; and c. the second end comprising one or more wings mounted at the sides of the second end, curving outwardly to define a foot receiver;
 2. The sock auxiliary device of claim 1 wherein the wings have a textured exterior.
 3. The sock auxiliary device of claim 2 wherein the textured exterior comprises one or more ribs.
 4. The sock auxiliary device of claim 1 wherein the first end terminates in a shoehorn.
 5. The sock auxiliary device of claim 4 further comprising a protrusion at an acute angle from the shoe horn to aid in the removal of clothing.
 6. A sock auxiliary device comprising: a. a distal baseplate comprising: i. one or more pivotally mounted wings at the sides of the baseplate comprising;
 1. a releasable ratchet configured to permit opening of the wing; and b. a proximal handset comprising: i. a handle; and ii. a shoehorn positioned at the proximal end; c. a hinge connecting the baseplate and handset.
 7. The sock auxiliary device of claim 6 wherein a foot indicator, with or without an arrow is displayed on the baseplate configured to direct a users foot to the foot receiver.
 8. The sock auxiliary device of claim 6 wherein the hinge is an adjustable hinge wherein the internal friction of the hinge may be adjusted by a user.
 9. The sock auxiliary device of claim 6 wherein the adjustable hinge has a plurality of positions; a. one position wherein the baseplate and handset are folded together; and b. a plurality of positions wherein an obtuse angle is made between the baseplate and handset for use by the user.
 10. The sock auxiliary device of claim 6 wherein the handset is an extensible handset to extend or contract the length of the auxiliary device.
 11. The sock auxiliary device of claim 6 having two wings.
 12. The sock auxiliary device of claim 6 wherein the device is adjustable, universal, and has the ability to be used with either the left or right foot of the user.
 13. A method of placing socks on a users foot using the sock auxiliary device comprising: a. placing socks around or through one or more wings; b. adjusting an angle of the wings to best fit the user; and c. adjusting an angle with between the handset and baseplate using a carriage bolt and a wing knob.
 14. Adjusting the length of the device by disengaging the locking mechanism then sliding the upper handset and lower handset comprising; a. holding the handgrip and positioning the foot over the baseplate, meanwhile, beginning to insert the foot into the sock opening, between one or more wings, extending until the sock is comfortable on the foot; and b. returning the device to a shortened state by pressing the hinge locking mechanism and sliding the upper handset and lower handset to a shortened position;
 15. Tightening the knobbed carriage bolt, locking an acute-angled position in place.
 16. Folding one or more wings over the handset by pressing the latching ratchet, preventing movement of the device in travel. 